Pulwama: The centuries-old Bulbul Nag spring in Newa, Pulwama, has dried up completely, leaving thousands of residents without their primary water source.
Traditionally supplying nearly six lakh gallons of water daily to 39 villages, the spring’s output has dwindled to less than one lakh gallons due to an ongoing dry spell.
Earlier, the Mughal-era Achabal Garden spring — once famed for its cascading waterfalls — ran dry for the first time in history, leaving the iconic garden’s fountains and streams barren. Similarly, Tral’s historic Dilnag spring, a vital source of clean water, has turned into a lifeless pit, with pollution worsening the crisis.
Experts warn that the depletion of these natural water sources signals an unfolding environmental catastrophe, threatening both livelihoods and biodiversity in the region. As more springs dry up, residents are left grappling with an uncertain future.
This development coincides with a precipitation deficit in Jammu and Kashmir. From January 1 to February 12, 2025, the region recorded a 79% rainfall deficit, receiving only 29.8 mm of rainfall against the normal 140 mm.
The dry conditions have also impacted winter tourism, with a 30-50% drop in tourist footfall due to insufficient snowfall. The fifth edition of the Khelo India Winter Games, scheduled in Gulmarg from February 22-25, was postponed because of inadequate snow cover.
Residents of Newa and surrounding villages are concerned about the prolonged dry spell’s impact on their water supply and livelihoods. Elders recall a time when springs like Bulbul Nag flowed abundantly, sustaining rivers, fields, and homes. The current situation has left many feeling as though they are witnessing their land “wither away before our eyes.”
The long-term effects of the dry spell continue to raise concerns about water security and environmental sustainability in the region.
